Work on Scotland’s first artificial surf park is set to get under way in Edinburgh on Wednesday following a £26m cash investment.
Wavegarden Scotland will transform the disused Craigpark Quarry at Ratho, near Edinburgh, into a 23-hectare facility boasting a restaurant and retail outlet alongside state-of-the-art surf technology.
The project, developed by Tartan Leisure Limited, hopes to deliver around 100 jobs and attract 180,000 visitors a year.
Major construction will now begin after the Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) committed an eight-figure sum to the development.
It is hoped it can be finished by 2024 – five years after planning permission was granted.
SNIB director Susan Campbell said: “This is an exciting, innovative and ambitious project.
“The bank’s backing will regenerate a derelict site, increase access to the natural environment, help to restore biodiversity and stimulate tourism.
“Once complete, Wavegarden Scotland will provide a world class outdoor facility for everyone to enjoy, enabling important health and well-being benefits as well as a nationally important leisure facility.
“The investment is a great example of the public and private sector collaborating successfully to unlock potential.”
The site will have underwater technology that can create 1,000 waves per hour, from slow-moving white water for beginners through to powerful barrels up to two metres high for experts.
The development, which was initially earmarked to open in spring last year, is also expected to have a cafe, observation deck and wellness spa alongside accommodation provision.
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